THE CHURCH IN EUROPE

INDISPENSABLE MISSION

The parish, while in need of constant renewal, continues to maintain and to carry out its particular mission, which is indispensable and of great relevance for pastoral care and the life of the Church. (15)

"GREAT AND CONSOLING SIGN"

We give thanks to the Lord for the great and consoling sign of hope which is the progress made in the journey of ecumenism under the standard of truth, charity and reconciliation. (17)

"REDISCOVER THE HOPE"

By returning to Christ, the peoples of Europe will be able to rediscover the hope which can alone give full meaning to life. (22)

CHRIST, OUR HOPE

Christ is the source of hope for Europe and for the whole world, "and the Church is the channel in which the grace pouring from the pierced Heart of the Savior flows and spreads" (homily during closing Mass for the Second Special Assembly of the Synod for Europe, 10/23/99). (18)

"BE CONVERTED"

The entire Church in Europe ought to feel that the Lords command and call is addressed to her: examine yourself, be converted, "awake and strengthen what remains and is on the point of death" (Rev 3:2). (26)

"A VITAL ISSUE"

The pastoral care of vocations is ... a vital issue for the future of the Christian faith in Europe... (39)

"THE BOOK OF THE GOSPELS"

Church in Europe, enter the new millennium with the Book of the Gospels! ... May the Holy Bible continue to be a treasure for the Church and for every Christian: in the careful study of Gods word we will daily find nourishment and strength ... (65)

"NEW HOPE TO THE POOR"

The whole Church is called to give new hope to the poor... To love the poor, and to testify that they are especially loved by God, means acknowledging that persons have value in themselves, apart from their economic, cultural, and social status, and helping them to make the most of their potential. (86)

"MARRIAGE AND THE FAMILY"

The Church in Europe at every level must faithfully proclaim anew the truth about marriage and the family. (90)

(Source: Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, Ecclesia in Europa, issued June 28, 2003)